David Hanson: The Government are committed to ensuring taxpayers receive the best possible value for money from the record investment made in probation in recent years.
	I announced on 9 April 2008 the consultation on a best value regime for probation services and I am pleased to announce to the House the outcome of that consultation. I propose, following the consultation, to introduce a new best value framework as signalled during the passage of the Offender Management Bill last year.
	The National Offender Management Service Agency will require local probation boards and trusts to undertake a rolling programme of best value reviews. The proposed framework will apply to probation boards and trusts with the exception of areas reserved to probation trusts in the Offender Management Act 2007. It will enable boards and trusts to demonstrate, in a transparent way, the value for money of their services, and to drive improvements in the economy, efficiency and effectiveness of their service delivery. Having considered the options, I have decided that best value will proceed on the basis of benchmarking of selected areas of work, assessment of probation performance against that benchmark, and greater competition for all sectors for those who do not meet the required standard through improvements to existing services.
	I intend to announce shortly the first areas of work for which best value will apply. The Government are currently developing a regulatory framework to ensure that competition is conducted in a fair and transparent way, allowing all sectors to compete. Discussions are currently ongoing with interested parties and will be published in due course.
	The measures ensure greater value for money and more effective services, to punish and reform offenders and to deliver better outcomes for victims and the public.
	I am grateful for the response to the consultation from a wide range of interested parties.
	Copies of the best value consultation response document will be placed in the Libraries of both Houses. Copies will also be available in the Vote Office and Printed Paper Office and on the internet at http://www.justice. gov.uk/publications/cp0608.htm